2017 In Review - 2018 In Preview

It's that time of the year again! Only 2 more sleeps and we're waving goodbye to 2017 and welcome the new year. But before we do, how about a little reflection from my side on this year? It is definitely going to be worth it, considering the tremendous amount of change I went through, from finishing university and having to face decisions about what to do with the rest of my life, completely new and enriching experiences up to my first fashion week seasons as blogger and the launch of my own online store. And even though many things went wrong during 2017, looking back at it now, it might have been the most successful year so far, for me as well as for The C Sphere.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED IN 2017

I've definitely learned during the past year that you do not have to have it all figured out in order to move forward. I've done my best not to let people pressure me any longer and, most of all, reduced the amount of pressure I put on myself in certain situations. I’ve put so much stress on myself that I ended up feeling more clueless than ever this year. From now on, I'll put the focus on one chapter at a time. This being said, my goal for life is to live a life filled with love, excitement and genuine happiness, making sure it is filled with all that matters.

Secondly, two very simple yet powerful words that pretty much sum up my year. Fear nothing. I've never really been one to think small, yet I've been scared of so many things in the past. We get so used to living with our fears that sometimes we aren't conscious of them anymore, when in fact all these acts outside your comfort zone will enrich your life..

The third, and maybe most important thing I've learned this year is to just be grateful. We live in a world where everyone is always busy focusing on themselves. Volunteering with underprivileged children has been something that has thought me so much. I've realised that the more you give, the happier you'll be. You really don’t know how much of a difference it makes until you actually take it into your own hands. And I was genuinely happy with those kids, simply seeing how grateful and happy they are for the smallest gestures. It made me think about how blessed we are, and how little gratitude we show in comparison..

MY STYLE IN 2017

I finally did what I have been wanting to do in so long; I cleared out my entire closet and got rid of EVERYTHING I just wouldn't wear anymore. And I got rid of a lot. Of a few years of memories. To be honest, there was not much left in my closet when it came down to what I love to wear. I put up things online to be sold or gave them away to charity, and started investing in basics, combining them with seasonal it-pieces and things I can get rid of easily once I do not like them anymore. You can read how you can do the same over here, and find some of my most favourite basics on the shop.

I also noticed I am more and more going monochrome when it comes to my outfit choices, hardly ever adding a really colourful twist to my outfit. But then, it is not something I obsessively look after, still recently having purchased a pair of patent red booties I fell in love with.

A LOOK FORWARD TO 2018

It is hard for me to predict what's going to come in 2018. 2017 has been a year so full of changes that it will be hard for the coming year(s) to even get close to that. However, I am definitely looking forward to another year full of possibilities and surprises. My priorities during the first few months will be to settle into a new apartment in the city and start a new daytime job. I still hope to be able to spend as much time on my personal projects as I did this year. My second half of the year will be for traveling. One of my resolutions for the new year is to visit at least 5 countries I haven't been to yet. And this is something high up on my list. I definitely want to go on another volunteer trip, and still want to manage to go home for the holidays. Apart from that, my resolutions are the same as every year (Yeah, they are still on the list since I magically forgot about them on January 2nd..)

Alright guys, that was about it. I'll be spending the beginning of the new year with my highschool girls gang back at home. Whatever you are up to for New Year's, I hope you have a delightful time. Thank you for sharing this journey with me this year, cheer to another adventurous year. See you in 2018!